A/C compressor pulley seized

N1985

MEMBER
2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER
4.2L
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
187,000 MILES

We thought the alternator was bad because the car did not start and after replacing the battery it worked then stopped again, after getting it a jump and getting it back home, the serpentine belt broke very clean. We checked all pulleys, they spun fine, we replaced the belt, started it up, it made a huge squeak, and this time shredded the belt a little, but it broke also. We then noticed the air compressor pulley did not move at all, it’s winter so A/C has not been running. Could there be another issue that would have made that pulley lock up? No free spinning at all.

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

A/C compressor pulley which is the A/C clutch. A malfunctioning clutch and seize due to faulty internal components. It can happen with a clutch after it is of a certain age and due to normal ware and tear.
The fix would be to replace the AC clutch. Many times, the best course of action would be to replace the compressor.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-air-conditioner-compressor

I have attached diagrams below for your reference.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.

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